2008 letter

If you read our Christmas letter, than you've read this posting. Just trying to capture it in case I ever catch up to scrapbooking some day!


Happy Monday!


Camryn turned two back in March. I know that statement says a lot right there. She is such fun, but keeps us on our toes at all times. She’s this little person, who absorbs & retains everything! She’s taught Craig and me so many things, including patience, humility and creativity. Nothing like potty training to teach all three. Wow, what an effort that has been this year! Sure, all kids are different. We’ve heard everything and tried everything. But her stubbornness (and quest to control each situation) seems to have extended the training.

Camryn continues to experience lots of firsts (first time on an airplane, first trip to the beach, first Wiggles concert, first time trick-or-treating, fishing, swim lessons, trip to the movie theater, etc.).

The three of us traveled to Destin with my parents, brothers, sister-in-law and niece in July. Despite the flight cancellation, impromptu decision to drive (thanks Liz & Craig), and the hours it took us just to leave town (a big thanks again to “Judy” the GPS system for getting us there safely), we all eventually arrived at a beautiful house right on the beach. We’re spoiled now. That’s the way to travel with kids! We were so grateful to be able to make this trip with family, and have a lot of memories to laugh about for a while.

My 2008 has been focused on family, which is a nice change of pace. I started a new job at the very end of 2007. Maritz is a very family friendly place, and presents a new and different professional challenge. And, I developed a new hobby of making bows. Like I need something else to take up non-existent spare time, but I refuse to pay the boutique prices for those little bows that are so darn cute; and in the process found out it’s kind of a relaxing hobby.

Speaking of hobbies, Craig’s love for fishing has continued to grow this year. He’s admitted to stopping and throwing a line in a creek along the side of the road when he knows he won’t have time to get to Busch’s Wildlife. The cold weather makes him a bit stir crazy so we’re hoping for an early spring in 2009.

Fall was an exciting time for our family. Craig led his football team to a perfect 10-0 season, with a conference title and district championship. He even earned the St. Louis Rams Coach of the Week during the season. Unfortunately the season ended sooner than expected in the first round of playoffs. But one, possibly two of his players will be playing Division 1 football next fall, which is exciting for him.

Camryn is quite the football fan, wearing her “ball game” shirt when she can. I think she’s going to understand the game more than me by age 4 (okay, maybe even by 3). She entertained many in the stands with her cheers this year. Thank you to all of the family and friends that supported the Wolves this year and came to watch a game!



Craig and I are currently living through Camryn’s excitement for Christmas. Her joy when she sees something simple, like a reindeer with a red nose, is unmatched. She’s hearing plenty about Santa’s arrival, but she’s also very curious about our nativity scene, so I’m taking that opportunity to teach her the real meaning of Christmas. Well, as much as a 2 year old can understand. J

Looking forward to the adventures we’ll have together in 2009!